Share your story with the rest of the world.
Photograph of “The Great Buddha,” courtesy of AAlmaguer. For most people living in or visiting the Kanto region of Japan, the most interesting place is probably Tokyo. This, however, should should not trick anyone into believing that it is the only fascinating thing to see. There are a lot of small places all […]
It’s a warm Sunday morning in Kawasaki, Japan. Across the world they are celebrating Easter, possibly April Fool’s Day. How ironic, as I have other plans. I am going to Kawasaki’s Kanamara Matsuri, or as it is known from numerous articles by the foreign press, the “Penis Festival.” The Kanamara Festival has its […]
The ruins of “Isawa Castle” are in the city of Oshu, Iwate prefecture, in the region of Michinoku, better known as Tohoku on the northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The construction of the castle dates back to the early 9th century, the year 802. Sakanoue-no Tamuramaro, then in the post […]
For 10 days in February, I was among 16 students who traversed the globe along with Ms. Land, Ms. McKenna, and Naoko to visit Japan. Throughout Japan—from Kyoto to Tokyo—we experienced everything, from caramelized crickets to 320-kilometer-per-hour bullet trains. To say the trip was enriching and unforgettable is an understatement. A full summary […]
Tampons came packaged in totally opaque, black plastic bags, which the attendants at the register put in your hands quickly and carefully. There was no slippage. That way no one would be able to see that the objects you purchased at the pharmacy or supermarket were actually feminine hygiene products, not just vitamins or […]
Since JAPAN Forward asked readers and followers in mid-March to send us their original sakura photos this year, we’ve been getting really amazing submissions. Here are some of the best from the period of April 1-14. Related Stories: 2018 March 16 – 31 – Sakura Photos by JAPAN Forward Readers Sakura 2018: Where to […]
There are hundreds of different types of flowering cherry trees planted in Japan. But, as many others have noted, the Somei Yoshino variety is by far the most popular—so much so that when the media reports on the blooming of the cherry trees, they are essentially reporting on the Somei Yoshino. Although the […]
“I will never forget these few years we spent together.” A girl, dressed in a simple costume speaks onstage, and the audience falls silent. Some may be crying. Occasionally, a sniffling noise can be heard. The eyes of the audience, eager for the girl’s next word, are fixed on her petite body. […]
Those who have studied abroad in Japan or have close friends who are students there have probably come across the interesting phenomenon of clubs and circles at Japanese universities. Organized by students to pursue shared interests and to socialize outside of class, they appear superficially similar to groups found in the United States […]
Since JAPAN Forward asked readers and followers in mid-March to send us their original sakura photos this year, we’ve been getting really amazing submissions. Here are some of the best from the period of March 16-31. Your sakura shots might be in our next gallery. Continue sending photos via Twitter @itsjapanforward […]
A close-up of a plum (ume) blossom in Tokyo, Japan. As the weather warmed last month, Japan enjoyed its renowned sakura (cherry blossom) season earlier than usual, leading many people to venture outdoors and have a hanami—flower viewing party—in mid-March. Although the sakura are widely considered Japan’s most famous flower, there are a […]
(Conclusion) Part 1: Director Keiko Yagi: Why I Had to Make ‘Behind THE COVE’ Amid the Anti-Whaling Uproar Part 2: ‘Behind THE COVE’: A Visual Take On the Whaling Issue The movie Behind ‘THE COVE’ presents the audience with facts about how the Japanese have lived alongside whales since the ancient times as well […]
